문어
muneo[munʌ̹]
The English word 'octopus' can be translated into Korean as 문어 (muneo) or 낙지.
Meaning: mollusc (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 문어 | muneo | [munʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 낙지 | nakji | [na̠k̚t͡ɕ͈i] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
문어 is the general term used when referring to the larger octopus species in a culinary or biological context.
Which one should you use?
문어 refers specifically to the larger octopus, whereas 낙지 refers to a smaller, more slender species of octopus (often called the long-arm octopus) that is commonly used in Korean cuisine.
How do you pronounce it?
muneo
Did you know?
- In Korea, 낙지 is often served alive and wriggling in a hot pot, a culinary practice meant to ensure maximum freshness and potency of the ingredients.
- The word 문어 could etymologically be interpreted as 'literary fish' if one looks at the Hanja characters 文 (literature) and 魚 (fish).
- The term 문어 is a homonym with the word for 'written language' or 'literary style' in Korean. While one refers to the cephalopod, the other refers to the formal style of writing used in books.
Examples in context
- 대왕문어는 깊은 바다에서 발견됩니다.Giant octopuses are found in deep oceans.
- 문어류의 지능은 놀랍습니다.The intelligence of octopuses is remarkable.
- 오늘 저녁에 주꾸미 매운탕을 먹어볼까?How about trying spicy octopus stew for dinner tonight?
- 문어는 다리가 여덟 개예요.muneoneun dariga yeodeol gae-yeyo.An octopus has eight legs.
- 저는 문어 요리를 좋아해요.jeoneun muneo yorireul joahaeyo.I like octopus dishes.
- 바다에 문어가 살고 있어요.bada-e muneoga salgo isseoyo.An octopus is living in the sea.
Example conversation
Subin and Hyunwoo are looking at a seafood menu at a restaurant.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨, 여기 문어 숙회가 맛있대요.Hyunwoo ssi, yeogi muneo sukhoega masitdaeyo.Hyunwoo, they say the boiled octopus here is delicious.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그래요? 그럼 문어를 주문할까요?Geuraeyo? Geureom muneoreul jumun-halkkayo?Really? Then shall we order the octopus?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 좋아요!Ne, joayo!Yes, sounds good!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo제가 지금 주문할게요.Jega jigeum jumun-halgeyo.I will order it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “octopus” translations and entries 문어, 낙지, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 문어, CC BY-SA 4.0.
